I therefore determined on constructing out of their materials two smaller ones of sufficient size to contain three persons for the purpose of crossing any river that might obstruct our progress.

This operation was accordingly commenced and by the 31st, both the canoes being finished, we prepared for our departure on the following day.
The leather which had been preserved for making shoes was equally divided among the men, two pairs of flannel socks were given to each person, and such articles of warm clothing as remained were issued to those who most required them.

They were also furnished with one of the officers' tents.
This being done I communicated to the men my intention of proceeding in as direct a course as possible to the part of Point Lake opposite our spring encampment, which was only distant one hundred and forty-nine miles in a straight line.

They received the communication cheerfully, considered the journey to be short, and left me in high spirits to arrange their own packages.

The stores, books, etc., which were not absolutely necessary to be carried were then put up in boxes to be left en cache here, in order that the men's burdens might be as light as possible.
The next morning was warm and very fine.